Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken offers a delightful combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that brighten up any meal. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The vibrant glaze makes the chicken juicy and full of zest.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to make the glaze.
5. Step 5: Pour the glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.
6. Step 6: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Step 7: Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.
8. Step 8: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter, more natural citrus flavor.
• If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones work well too—just thaw before using.
• For extra depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze.
• Serve with rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture and glaze flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and may offer a juicier result. Adjust baking time accordingly, as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the glaze gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is a delicious and vibrant dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts baked in a tangy and sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and savory Dijon mustard. Perfectly balanced with citrus zest and enhanced by a quick oven finish, this recipe is a delightful meal that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cranberry Orange Glaze

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build the foundational flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust, locking in the juices.
4. Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, mix fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard together thoroughly to create a tangy and sweet glaze.
5. Add the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, coating them evenly to infuse flavor during baking.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
7. Baste the Chicken: About halfway through the baking time, baste the chicken with the glaze from the skillet to keep it moist and flavorful.
8. Rest the Chicken: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicy final texture.
9. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.

Notes

• Use an oven-safe skillet for seamless transition from stovetop to oven.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the glaze’s brightness, but bottled can be used if needed.
• To check doneness, use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Resting the chicken before slicing helps keep it juicy.
• Garnish with parsley or other fresh herbs for presentation and freshness.

Keywords: cranberry chicken, orange glazed chicken, baked chicken breast, holiday chicken recipe, sweet and tangy chicken, easy chicken dinner